Pearl shopping in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka?

[Bayside]

Hi! I've been intermittently on the forum when questions arise. Now I'm headed to Japan and need advice on the best places (with reasonable prices) to buy pearls. I'd prefer to expand my hunt beyond Mikimoto. Specifically, I'm looking for huggie earrings and a tin cup necklace. Akoyas are fine, for the tin cup, and am thinking golden South Sea pearls for the huggies. Please point me in the right direction. Thanks!

 

[jshepherd]

The most pearl shops are definitely in Kobe, as it's the pearl capital of Japan. There are a lot of shops in the Kitano Hill area, and a group of wholesalers on Yamamoto-dori. These companies are b2b, but there are a lot of pearl shops in the same general area.

 

[Bayside]

Thank you! I may have to fit in a side trip to Kobe. But do any of the better known companies have showrooms or shops in Tokyo or Kyoto?

 

[jshepherd]

I’m not too familiar with the retail side in Japan, but from what I’ve seen, the shops in Kobe are mostly small, independent operations, not large chain stores with showrooms. If you're looking for something specific, like a custom tin cup, those smaller shops are probably your best bet. You’ll be working directly with pearl professionals instead of sales staff, which means more flexibility to design or adjust pieces on the spot. Bigger shops in Tokyo or Kyoto might have ready-made options, but no customization.

 

[Bayside]

Thanks for this advice. It looks like I may need to plan a side trip to Kobe!